Top 10 Tips For Buying Women's Shoes

Buying the perfect pair of boots or women’s shoes, especially with such a huge variety of styles on offer, can be a daunting prospect. If you’re looking for designer shoes then the money invested in this choice can be considerable, so there are a few things to think about before you make your final decision. Here are the top ten tips for buying ladies shoes.

Know your size
It may seem obvious, but many women suffer discomfort because they don’t know their exact shoe size. Every woman’s feet are different, and the generic sizes don’t necessarily give you the best fit. Like clothing manufacturer’s sizes, women’s shoe sizes can vary dramatically – a size five in one shop or retailer may be very different from a size five from an online supplier. Remember that the right width is just as important, so look for a supplier that offers a range of width fittings and take the time to get your feet measured accurately. A pair of wide fit shoes could make all the difference in comfort.

The importance of a good fit
Following on from the issue of the correct size is the correct fit. This doesn’t just apply to your foot – if you’re buying a pair of boots, for example, you’ll also have to consider your calf fitting or the length of your leg to ensure the boot fits properly. A badly fitting pair of shoes will be uncomfortable and will not look their best.

Budget
Know your budget. A really good quality pair of shoes that may cost a little more will last you much longer and be a better investment in the long term than a cheap pair that falls apart after only a couple of weeks.

Occasions
If you’re looking for a pair of women’s shoes for a special occasion, take into account the type of event you are attending (an open-air event is probably not the best place to wear high heels!). Consider that you may be on your feet for a long time, so again, comfort is just as important as looks.

Leather or man made?
This is really down to personal choice, but leather has the advantage in that it is much more durable than man made fabrics and will stretch quickly to fit your foot perfectly. However, if you’re looking for summer style sandals, fabric uppers can be much more comfortable to wear, keeping your feet cooler than leather uppers.

Colour
Again, the colour you choose is very much your personal decision, but take into account what kind of outfits you will be wearing the shoes with, your own skin tone and colouring and whether your designer shoes are just a one-season fashion buy or something that you will want to wear again and again. If you’re looking for something that will transcend fleeting fashions, opt for the traditional black or brown as these tend to be perennial favourites.

Open or closed toe styles?
For summer wear, nothing beats the comfort and freedom of a pair of sandals. They allow your feet to ‘breathe’ and are comfortable for all-day wear. However, if you are in a more formal setting, a classic pair of ladies court shoes suggests a more professional attitude. Shoes can reflect a great deal about the wearer, so consider what kind of impression you want to make.

Formal or informal?
Formal women’s shoes cover a wide range of styles, from classic courts to kitten heels. For a really stunning look, a pair of designer’s shoes with high heels combined with formal evening wear really can give an outfit that ‘wow’ factor. Less formal wear can be anything from a pair of summer sandals to knee length boots worn with jeans. Those same boots combined with a business suit can cross the boundary between formal and informal, but again, choose a pair that fit perfectly to maximize both comfort and looks.

Buying online
Once you have your exact size (including the correct width fitting), it’s easy to buy women’s shoes online. Online suppliers also tend to carry a wider range of fittings and can be cheaper than many high street stores, so it’s worth checking out the Internet for a good pair of designer shoes.

Returns policies
If you’re not happy with your designer shoes, you may want to return them for a refund or exchange them for an alternative pair of women’s shoes. Before you make your initial purchase, check the returns policy carefully, as some companies will not accept returns once the shoes have been worn.

By following these simple guidelines and remembering that comfort and a good fit are your priorities, you should be able to find the right pair of designer shoes that will last you for years to come.